Helpful Gatwick Airport Information
Well, what can we say about Gatwick airport other than, if you want it, it's probably got it! As the UK’s second largest airport, serving over 38 million passengers a year, it’s no wonder it caters for pretty much everything.
We even gave it a special mention on our website.. Click here to read more.
Its two terminals, The North Terminal and South Terminal, offer a vast array of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, bureau de change counters, cash machines, car rental counters, VIP airport lounges, hotels and a very extensive suite of business rooms and facilities that definitely won’t leave you wanting.
Airport Shopping
When it comes to shopping at Gatwick Airport, you may well forget that you’re even in an airport and think you’ve been transported to Westfield instead! You’ll be in shopping heaven!
Not only do you have a huge selection of shops to choose from, but also there’s also up to 20 per cent off high street prices, so you can bag yourself some real bargains!
From Cath Kidston and Dune London, to Harrods and World of Whiskies, there’s something for everyone. You can even start the shopping experience before you leave home with their ‘Reserve from Home’ service, where you can reserve items and pick them up before or after you fly!
Airport Eating & Drinking
If you’ve exhausted the shopping or simply need to take a load off, then as you can imagine there is plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes and so much more to take your fancy!
There’s everything from the Red Lion pub, to Jamie’s Italian, to Garfunkel’s or Caviar House & Prunier for those looking to start their holiday as they mean to go on! See the relevant sections for North and South terminals on this page for more information.
Showers at Gatwick Airport
There are showers available at Gatwick Airport both in the South and North Terminals. In the South terminal, it is located at departures level 3, opposite the Beehive Bar and restaurant. It is free to use the shower
In the North terminal it is located in the No. 1 Lounge but an entrance fee does apply.
Driving to Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport is 28 miles south of London. It is linked to the M23 at Junction 9 and to the A23 London-Brighton Road.
The M25 is a ten-minute drive away with connections to all of the UK’s national motorway network.
If you’re using a satnav the postcodes are:
South Terminal: RH6 0NP
North Terminal: RH6 0PJ
Gatwick Facilities & Services
If you’re worried about breaking prayer routines, then you can relax as both terminals have a chapel and prayer room before security.
Also there are a number of business services available, which include conference facilities, business lounges both before and after security and even work pods, which provide you with the perfect uninterrupted office on the go.
Connecting Flight Desks
The Gatwick connection desks are located in the baggage reclaim area in the North and South Terminal.
Help Boarding Your Flight
If you require help getting on board the aircraft, you should contact your travel agent or the airline 48 hours before travel. You can also contact 0)344 892 0322 and select option 5, for help and advice.
Family Assistance Lanes
Gatwick Airport is one of the few airports that provide family assistance lanes. They have created the family assistance lanes for young families with buggies who are departing and arriving at the airport.
You simply follow the signs for assistance lanes when you have checked in. This gives you a separate security lane that allows you more assistance and can result in going through security and immigration much quicker.
Child Buggies For Loan
Gatwick Airport provides complimentary buggies for children. They are located along the arrival routes. When you have finished with them, they will need to be returned to the collection points in the baggage reclaim.
Dropping Passengers Off
Gatwick Airport offers 2 hours free parking at their Long Stay car parks, which are located at both the North Terminal and South Terminal.
Read more about these car parks and how to find them :
Long Stay North Terminal
Long Stay South Terminal
Gatwick Airport VIP Lounges
If you want that bit of extra luxury before you jet off then take a look at our Gatwick airport lounges page, which will guide you through the many different lounges available.
You can also view video walkthroughs so you can see exactly what's on offer.
Car Parking at Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport offers a wide selection of parking facilities. They include a meet and greet service, on-site parking and also off-site parking where you travel to the terminal on a free shuttle bus.
All the car parks provide 24-hour security and are covered by CCTV, providing you with a safe place to park your car while on holiday.
To learn more about the different Gatwick Airport Parking facilities available and to compare prices to save up to 60%, please visit our Gatwick Airport Parking page.
Hotels at Gatwick Airport
There is a large choice of Airport Hotels at Gatwick Airport to suit different budgets. Some of the hotels available offer on-site parking with a free shuttle bus to the airport.
To see what hotels are available at Gatwick Airport and to compare the prices, please visit our Gatwick Airport Hotels page.
Wi-Fi
If you can’t live without Wi-Fi, don’t worry as Gatwick Airport offers 90 minutes of free Wi-Fi to all passengers throughout both terminals.
- Navigate to the list of available wireless networks.
- Click on the 'get online now' button and select Gatwick Free wi-fi.
- Log into your myGatwick account.
- Click on the pink 'Get online' button for 45 minutes free wi-fi.
- Once that session is finished, repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 for a further 45 minutes.
There are also Boingo Hotspots, where you can pay for additional internet access, as well as plenty of free charging points before and after security in both terminals, so you can be sure to have plenty of battery left on your phone to play ‘Candy Crush’ during the flight!
North Terminal
If you’re flying from the North Terminal, you’ll no doubt want to know the specific services that are available. There’s no use getting excited about having a look at what’s on offer a Cath Kitson only to discover it’s in the South Terminal!
North Terminal Airport Shopping
The North Terminal, has a wide selection of shops, so those looking for a retail fix will definitely be able to satisfy their cravings, with plenty of designer brands like Jo Malone, Ted Baker, Harrods and Superdry, as well as high street brands like Accessorize, JD Sports, and FatFace.
The list of shops also includes the obligatory World Duty Free, where you can treat yourself to a new fragrance or a designer handbag, as well as Boots, and London News Company by WH Smith for all those last minute travel essentials.
In short, you will inevitably find everything you need before you travel, so you have the perfect trip, whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure.
North Terminal Eating & Drinking
Well, if you don’t find something to tickle your taste buds here then we will be surprised. The choice of international and British cuisine is expansive.
Why not head to Wagamamas for a plate of freshly cooked noodles, sample classic Mediterranean dishes at Jamie’s Italian, Lebanese delicacies at Comptoir Libanais or just head to the Red Lion for a full English and a pint!
Those wanting a lighter bite will definitely find something to suit their fancy at Pret a Manger, Yo Sushi or Starbucks.
North Terminal Airport Lounges
Gatwick North Terminal boasts a selection of airport lounges, so why not add a little extra to your trip and book yourself a place where you can relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the terminal.
The new Aspire Lounge in the North Terminal is ideal for those looking to simply sit back and relax. The comfortable surroundings are complemented by a selection of all-inclusive soft and alcoholic drinks, snacks and hot foods, as well as unlimited free-Wi-Fi and charging facilities.
My Lounge – North Terminal offers exquisite surroundings with its loft inspired design and is tailored for those travellers looking for a home from home.
Pour yourself a draught beer or glass of wine, help yourself to the complimentary snacks provided on the kitchen counter and catch up on your emails with free unlimited Wi-Fi, whilst the kids keep themselves entertained on the PlayStation or iMac!
Find out a lot more by clicking here.
South Terminal
The South Terminal has so much to offer. If you’re flying out of here then you will definitely need to get to the airport early so you can enjoy everything it has in store for you!
South Terminal Airport Shopping
Stepping into the departure lounge, you will be hit with an eyeful of amazing shops! All you have to do is decide where to start to make sure you don’t miss anything.
You can get yourself kitted out in designer gear from handbags to dresses with brands like Hugo Boss, Harrods, Cath Kitson, Victoria’s Secret and Kurt Geiger. But if high street fashion is more your thing then head to Zara, Mango and Accessorize for the latest trends at more affordable prices.
Of course, there is always a Boots, London New Company by WH Smith’s and World Duty Free on hand to get stocked up on travel essentials, fragrances, cosmetics and reading material for the flight too.
South Terminal Eating & Drinking
As with the North Terminal, the South Terminal has much to offer in terms of culinary delights.
Places like Pret a Manger, Costa Coffee and Apostrophe offer the perfect solution for a light bite and a good frothy coffee. Whereas Wondertree is the perfect family friendly restaurant to treat the kids for a pre-holiday meal.
There’s also a Nando’s and Frankie & Bennies to add into the mix. Or if you fancy a real treat why not splash out and head to Caviar House & Prunier to wash down a delicious seafood platter with a glass of fine wine.
South Terminal Airport Lounges
If you fancy travelling in style on your next trip, why not treat yourself to a little VIP treatment with a place in a Gatwick Airport Lounge.
With plenty of choices available at the South Terminal, you can enjoy the high life whichever lounge you choose and regardless of which airline you’re with and the class of ticket.
The No.1 Lounge – South Terminal offers the perfect getaway from the bedlam in the terminal. It’s light and airy feel, with a living green wall and exceptional views of the runway will help you to feel relaxed and cleansed before you fly.
Guests can enjoy complimentary hot and cold freshly prepared food, a fully tended bar with a wide range of complimentary soft and alcoholic drinks, unlimited Wi-Fi and games, including kid packs. You can also relax and catch up with the news either on one of the widescreen TV’s or with a complimentary newspaper.
It’s fair to say that travelling from Gatwick should be a pleasure and not a chore, just make sure you leave yourself with enough spending money for your holiday!
Click here to find out a whole lot more about lounges at Gatwick airport and to book online.
